As surprising as it may sound, New York Rangers prospects are already gearing up to report to training camps or college campuses. The QMJHL, home to Rangers prospect Raoul Boilard, opens its camps on Aug. 15.
For those playing in North America, the question looms: What can Rangers fans expect this season? If you’re hoping for an offensive explosion, prepare for disappointment. The current crop of prospects isn’t likely to light up the scoreboard.
Spence is the Rangers’ highest-scoring prospect
The Rangers didn’t draft many high-scoring forwards, with Malcolm Spence as the lone exception. However, Spence left the OHL for the Big Ten and will suit up for Michigan State. Don’t expect him to replicate his 32-41–73 stat line from last season.
Nathan Aspinall, who posted a 17-30–47 line with the Flint Firebirds, returns as the Rangers’ top scorer. Known more for his 6-foot-7 frame than his scoring touch, Aspinall isn’t expected to carry the offense.
Boilard hopes to bounce back after a 12-34–46 campaign. Traded from Baie-Comeau Drakkar to Shawinigan Cataractes, he brings strong faceoff skills and a history of scoring, including a 20-goal season two years ago.
Brody Lamb, a junior at Minnesota, scored a career-high 17 goals last season. However, 13 came before Jan. 3, and he managed just four the rest of the way. Lamb has a natural scoring touch but remains inconsistent. With his 22nd birthday approaching, this season marks his final chance to earn an entry-level contract from the Rangers.
One forward to watch is Ty Hendricks, a sophomore at Western Michigan. The 6-foot-5 power forward played on the fourth line as a freshman but is expected to climb the depth chart. The Rangers’ sixth-round pick in 2023 could double his production on a still-potent Broncos roster.
Blueshirt Blueline Prospects
Among defensemen, Artyom Gonchar stands out as the only prospect with notable offensive upside. He posted a 7-18–25 line in Russia’s MHL last season and scored more goals than E.J. Emery, Drew Fortescue, and Rasmus Larsson combined. Those three totaled just 3-12–15—ten points fewer than Gonchar alone.
Newcomers Sean Barnhill and Evan Passmore also offer intrigue. Barnhill joins Spence at Michigan State, while Passmore heads to Barrie in the OHL. Both posted slightly better numbers last season and could contribute more than expected.
